“While the governor’s announcement today is encouraging, the fact remains that Hoosiers still face real challenges.

“Hoosier households earn nearly 13 percent less today than they did at the beginning of the decade. The state’s unemployment rate remains one of the highest in the Midwest and the rising cost of attending college continues to put more young Hoosiers in debt.

“I am certain many Hoosiers find it difficult to determine how the state’s inflated surplus has translated to their benefit.

“It’s time to address this. We must refocus Indiana’s fiscal priorities in a way that makes real and direct progress toward meeting these challenges.

“By emphasizing prudent investment in job skills training, in a robust, statewide early education program, addressing backlogged local infrastructure projects and finding ways to curb the cost of attending college, we can take those needed first steps.

“Hoosiers expect lawmakers to address the challenges they face every day, it’s my hope we can shift the conversation toward confronting those issues.”

Sen. Lanane represents Indiana Senate District 25 includes the portions of Madison and Delaware counties, including the City of Muncie and the southeastern portion of the City of Anderson. For more information on Sen. Lanane, his legislative agenda or other State Senate business call 1-800-382-9467 or visit www.IN.gov/S25 .

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